Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Name: Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Bocconcini and Salami
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb cavatappi pasta; 8 oz bocconcini cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, chopped; 6 oz salami, diced; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; 1/2 red onion, diced; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 clove garlic, grated; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

This creamy Italian pasta salad combines tender cavatappi with marinated bocconcini, salami, and fresh vegetables in a tangy homemade dressing. It's a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for potlucks and summer gatherings.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Pasta salad 🏷️Italian pasta salad 🏷️Creamy pasta salad 🏷️Bocconcini Salami

🏷️

🏷️Summer salad

-0:00

everything_delishonTikTok

Total

32 min

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$34–$56

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by everything_delish

-0:00

everything_delishonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb cavatappi pasta
8 oz bocconcini cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, chopped
6 oz salami, diced
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1/2 red onion, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 clove garlic, grated
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine the bocconcini, 1 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat and set aside to marinate.
2
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and add to a large serving bowl.
3
To the pasta, add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, marinated bocconcini, diced salami, sliced pepperoncini, and diced red onion.
4
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, prepare the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, brown sugar, dried oregano, grated garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
5
Whisk the dressing until it is smooth and creamy.
6
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad.
7
Toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Marinate the bocconcini in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for at least 30 minutes before mixing with pasta to infuse flavor throughout.
Cool the cooked cavatappi completely before combining with other ingredients to prevent the cheese from wilting and the dressing from separating.
Dice salami into uniform small pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the salad rather than clustering in clumps.
Toss the salad gently but thoroughly just before serving to ensure the creamy dressing coats all ingredients without breaking up the cheese.

Substitutions

Cavatappi → fusilli or penne (maintains texture and dressing absorption)
Bocconcini → fresh mozzarella cubes or provolone (creaminess and flavor profile remain similar)
Pepperoncini peppers → roasted red peppers or banana peppers (for less heat)
Salami → prosciutto or pancetta (maintains the salty, cured meat element)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the pasta will absorb dressing over time, so add extra olive oil or vinegar before serving if needed.

Common Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dish. Prepare it 1-2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together and improve over time.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Cavatappi is ideal because its spiral shape holds the dressing and ingredients well. Other short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini are good alternatives.

Can I substitute the bocconcini cheese?

Yes, fresh mozzarella balls, cubed feta, or provolone work well. Adjust quantities based on the cheese's moisture content and intensity.

How should I store leftover pasta salad?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb dressing over time; add more olive oil or vinegar before serving if needed.